A Blog Post

JCE BLOG: To get a break, you need a shot

The Speaker of the House Paul Ryan surrounded by a group of mostly white interns with a caption that read: “I think this sets a record for the most number of #CapitolHill interns in a single selfie. #SpeakerSelfie”

He’s correct — to help diversify photos like the one Speaker Ryan took with his interns — we’ve got to give minorities a shot.

Last year, actress Viola Davis gave an acceptance speech for ‘Best Actress’ for a TV drama, the first black woman to win the award, that highlighted this for the entire nation.

“The only thing that separates women of color from everyone else is opportunity,” she said. “You cannot win an Emmy for roles that are simply not there.”

As a first-generation Mexican-American male, I’ve been given plenty of shots in my life that I worked to get and keep.

In college, I got two shots to intern on Capitol Hill. For two semesters, I worked for a U.S. senator and representative. It was an amazing experience but it doesn’t pay. I had to hold down a part-time job.

In 2008, I got another shot to intern at the Today Show in New York City for a summer. My parents helped with one month’s worth of rent but I had to bartend on the weekends to live in the Big Apple. The internship didn’t pay. But I don’t regret it — the opportunity gave me a look into my future career as a broadcaster.

I interned on Capitol Hill in 2006 for Senator Robert Menendez of New Jersey & Congressman Henry Cuellar of Texas. And interned for the Today Show in 2008.

But bottom line: I was given and worked hard for these opportunities. But it took someone taking a shot on me.

So, if you have the means to mentor or coach someone — take the time to do so!